Life Story

Cheers to episode 21 as Tyler’s friend Jacob joins him for a toast and to tell his life story! Jacob shares about growing up and taking on the role of being the man of the house for his mom and three brothers in Cedar Rapids, IA. He describes his love of school and about how his teachers became some of his greatest mentors and advocates in life. Jacob and Tyler discuss their love of Pokémon, how they both went to college to be high school English teachers, only to switch to higher education, and all things spicy foods. Finally, Jacob explains how music has shaped his life and how it all began when his dad gave him his first guitar.

On this episode, Tyler welcomes his first celebrity guest and long-time pen pal Mary to the show. Mary has authored over 75 novels including her two series the Emma Lord /Alpine Mysteries and the Bed & Breakfast Murder Mysteries. Mary discusses how she came up with the ideas for these stories and why she believes people have gravitated to them over the years. Mary describes her family history, both past and present, and shares fun stories of growing up with her cousin, Judy. Mary shares how she was not a fan of elementary school or club sports, but did try to learn the piano. Finally, Mary tells how she met her husband and what books she is currently working on.

On this episode, Tyler and one of his mentors, Katie, were finally able to sit down for an interview after multiple cancellations. Katie discussed growing up as a non-Mormon in Salt Lake City and how her small, tight-knit family and Girl Scouts helped instill many life skills and her passion for giving back to the community. Katie talks about how the University of Utah was the last place on her mind for college, but ended being one of the greatest decisions of her life! She describes how she creating a brand new program at Ball State University, while completing her masters degree within a year. Finally, Katie shares how she met her husband, Tim, and where she sees her life heading in the next few years. Fair warning, you’re in for some fun stories and many laughs!!

On this episode, Tyler’s friend John Jaso drops by the podcast to talk about the chronicle that is his life’s story. He describes growing up outside of Chicago and how he learned to be self reliant due to his parents’ work schedules. He shares how he discovered his love of video games, WWE, and comic books and how he met his best group of friends in second grade. Jaso talks about school bullies and how after joining wrestling in high school, he became the nerdy jock. Finally, Jaso shares his journey throughout higher education, ultimately, why he loves this field, and where he sees himself in the future.

On this episode, one of Tyler’s new co-workers and friend, Micho, joins the podcast to share their incredible story! Micho describes life growing up in an abusive household and how the cycle of abuse followed them through a good part of their life. But, through a love and passion for art at an early age, Micho discovered so much about themselves which lead them to graduating as a Summa Cum Laude first generation student and continuing on to a masters degree. After leaving two bad marriages, Micho met their partner Jocelyn and have settled down in Iowa with their wonderfully blended family!

On this episode, be prepared for a lot of laughs (and maybe some backhanded compliments) as Ashley Kurtz takes time away from the Texas Tech reunion to talk about her life. Ashley describes the joys of growing up as a California girl, getting to go to the beaches, meeting celebrities, and testing out rides at Disneyland, thanks to her dad working security there. Ashley talks about her relationship with her siblings and their menagerie of pets. Ashley also explains how she became interested in higher education thanks to the support she received from staff members during a very difficult time in college and how she wants to be a resource that students can come to. Finally, Ashley and Tyler reminisce about the many vacations they want on in grad school as well as the summer Ashley spent in London.

On this episode, one of Tyler’s best friends from childhood, Trevor, joins the podcast to get each other caught up on life since they last saw each other 10 years ago. Trevor describes life growing up as the son of a pastor and being the oldest of three boys who share the same initials of TLC. Tyler and Trevor reminisce about how they met and middle school days around the lunch table and being avid readers, especially of the Hunger Games! Trevor speaks on his family’s difficult move from Iowa to Missouri after his freshmen year of high school, but that it prepared him to go on to college and that friends come and go for good and for bad. During college, Trevor got to travel to many different countries and shares his journey of self discovery and becoming a member of the queer community. Finally, Trevor explains what he hopes to do in his new job to prevent further climate change!

On this episode, the “Ty”ler H.’s of Texas Tech reconnect to share their favorite memories of grad school and how hitting the campus’ lazy river was always the best way to relax! Ty also shares memories of growing up in a religious household, while going to school in a predominately white community. Ty reminisces about how being involved in multiple student organizations, including the marching band and working at Old Navy, shaped his undergraduate experience and the work that he does today! Finally, Ty shares the three categories of friendships: Reasons, Seasons, & Lifetime.

On this episode, Tyler gets a chance to catch up with his friend Ceara to laugh about many marching band memories! Ceara discusses how her parents made holidays and birthdays so incredibly fun growing up for her and her three other sisters and how her dad convinced her that the White Sox were shooting off fireworks after the game just because it was her birthday! Ceara describes how softball changed her life and introduced her to so many incredible mentors and coaches. Finally, Ceara and Tyler discuss how to avoid getting stuck in the rut of being associated by only one aspect of their lives.

On this episode, Tyler’s friend Xiomar videos in for a lot of college reminiscing about crazy work situations, getting free furniture, and how Xiomar got away with never having to pay for a single drink at the bars! Xiomar shares life growing up in Baltimore with his two brothers and how education and sports came pretty naturally to him. The two talk about their favorite holiday memories and Xiomar shares how his family didn’t celebrate Halloween. Finally, he describes how he chose Iowa State University, but his major chose him.